We Deserve It All
The legacy of Ceyenne Doroshow
Ceyenne DoroshowCeyenne Doroshow is respected in ways that only emerge from a lifetime of forming relationships that turn into family. Whether directly or not, you have most likely been impacted by her work: as a mentor, friend, fashion icon, chef, or—perhaps most notably—as the founder of G.L.I.T.S. (Gay and Lesbians living in a Transgender Society), a New York-based grassroots organization which raised over one million dollars for trans housing this past summer. When asked what she does, Ceyenne answers, “I change lives.” And she’s right. Her presence this summer shifted the energy of New York, transforming the possibilities for Black trans life and—in turn—opening up a better world for the rest of us.
Ceyenne’s vision emerges from her careful attention to what we lack. When asked about the organization’s name, she always responds, “One, because I said so. And two, because we have never been considered first. So I put us first.” As the daughter of legendary drag queen and psychic Flawless Sabrina, Ceyenne calls on the glamour and vigilance of trans life in order to manifest a liberatory reality. Her not-so-far-off dream is a self-sustainable space run by and for trans people: a haven complete with a restaurant-cafe below the building’s living spaces, and a permaculture garden on the rooftop. In creating a blueprint for a trans world, Ceyenne points to forms of care that were previously unimaginable to many of us. And she does it because, “we deserve it all.” To the dreamworlds that have become real worlds, thank you, Ceyenne, for trailblazing this path.
—ATM
Ceyenne Doroshow giving a speech at the end of the Black Trans Lives Matter March in June of 2020. There are two purple banners behind her, and a pinkish orange banner to the right that reads “Queers for Trans Lives heart.” Rio Sofia holds Ceyenne’s phone for her to the left.
Ceyenne Doroshow, during her speech, at the Black Trans Matter Rally in Brooklyn, NY - June 2020 with Rio Sofia on the left. Ceyenne is wearing a black hat, with a white dress and bright pink bandana.
Ceyenne Doroshow during her speech at the Black Trans Matter Rally in Brooklyn, NY in June of 2020 with Rio Sofia on the left. Ceyenne is wearing a black hat, with a white dress and bright pink bandana.
Ceynne Doroshow during her speech at the Black Trans Matter Rally in Brooklyn, NY in June of 2020.
Ceyenne Doroshow at the first ever sex worker telethon hosted by GLITS, in commemoration of the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers 2020, debuting Nadiv, Qween Jean and LM Showcase.
A picture GLITS I SOUTH in Woodhaven, Queens featuring the building with a purple door, cars lining the street, framed by a tree on either side.
Lacey, Qween Jean, Jasmin Van Wales and trans community members, in attendance of the Grand Opening of GLITS I SOUTH.
Ceyenne Doroshow and Marisa Day pose on a banister with, Alejandro Ruiz, Derek Cunningham, Johnny Alvarez, Luka Doyle standing beside them.
Ceyenne Doroshow and sister Rio Sofia, hugging each other in front of GLITS I SOUTH next to a bouquet of pink and purple flowers.
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